Upper dorsal sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.

The treatment results in 133 patients who underwent bilateral upper dorsal sympathectomy (BUDS) for palmar hyperhidrosis (HH) are reported. Group 1 (67 patients) was followed for 5 to 10 yr (mean 7) and Group 2 (66 patients) was followed for 1 to 4 yr (mean 2). Early results and complications, early and late sequelae, late recurrence and patient satisfaction with the results of the operation were analyzed. The immediate success rate was 98%, and late recurrence of HH was noted in 5.3% of the patients. The incidence of technical complications was lower in Group 2 than in Group 1, otherwise both groups were similar. Persistent, severe Horner's syndrome was present in only one patient at late follow-up. Troublesome compensatory HH persisted in one-third of the patients. Overall patient satisfaction was good, and only 10 patients regretted having undergone the operation. BUDS appears to be the best solution for severe palmar HH in properly selected patients.